The Henrico 21

HCPS is pleased to announce, Henrico 21,  the first annual awards ceremony recognizing teachers and students who produce outstanding lessons and products that exemplify teaching and learning in the 21st Century.  HCPS is on the cutting edge of the 21st century skills movement.  This nationwide effort focuses on developing the skills that students need to be successful in the 21st Century.  HCPS’ commitment is reflected in our mission and beliefs which both feature the development of 21st century skills prominently.

Who is eligible to participate?

All full-time HCPS teachers, school counselors, and librarians will be eligible to submit lessons that typify 21st century learning.  Teacher submissions will include an online lesson plan and an artifact that demonstrates the end product of the lesson.  Teachers will be able to nominate students who produce exemplary classroom products.

How many awards will be given?

There will be 15 awards distributed.  An elementary, middle, and high school student (or group of students) will each receive a student award.  A teacher from each instructional level will be recognized in each of the following categories:

1)    Research and Information Fluency
2)    Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
3)    Collaboration and Communication
4)    Creativity and Innovation

These categories have been selected because they are recognized as 21st century skills nationally.  These skills also form the backbone of HCPS’ Technology Integration Progression Chart (TIPc) on which staff members have been trained.  Additional information on the TIPc is available here.

What is the timeline for submissions?

February 1st  – Communication of Awards Ceremony disseminated
March 26th  – All nominations/submissions due
March 29th  – April 15th  – Lesson judged
April 15th – May 14th – Interviews of finalists videotaped
May 25th  – Ceremony from 6 to 9 pm at Hermitage High School

How will winners be selected?

A panel of judges consisting of staff and community members will review student and teacher submissions using a pre-designed rubric.  Finalists in each category will be selected and notified.  An interview with finalists will be videotaped to capture the creation and delivery of the recognized lesson.

When and where will the ceremony take place?

The ceremony will take place in the Hermitage High School auditorium on May 25th from 6 to 9 pm.

What will the ceremony look like?

The ceremony will be modeled after the Academy Awards.  A master/mistress of ceremonies will conduct the ceremony.  Finalists in each category will be recognized.  School Board Members, HCPS leadership staff, Henrico Education Foundation members, and other corporate sponsors will present each award to the winner. Videotape of the interviews, lessons, and projects created will be shown throughout the ceremony.  We will also have student performances that represent 21st century learning.  The ceremony will be preceded by a reception where food and beverages prepared by the Culinary Arts students from Hermitage Technical Center will be served.

What will winners and finalists receive as recognition?

The winners will each receive $500.  Each finalist will receive a plaque or trophy commemorating his/her achievement and $100.  The planning committee is actively seeking donations from the Henrico Education Foundation and other HCPS partners to cover the costs of this ceremony.  It is our goal that no school division funds will be utilized for this event.